Senator Byrd announces millions in funding for Air Guard facilities

Senator Robert Byrd’s office released this news item:

U.S. Senator Robert C. Byrd, D-W.Va., announced today that the Senate Appropriations Committee has approved $27 million in new funding for the construction of a C-130 fuel cell hangar for the West Virginia National Guard facilities at Yeager Airport in Charleston.

According to development plans for the base, the fuel cell hangar will be connected to a new maintenance hangar that will be constructed using $17.3 million secured by Byrd in legislation that was signed into law last year. Together, the new facilities would expand capabilities at Yeager, which will help to protect the facility from potential efforts to close the base through the Pentagon’s Base Realignment and Closure (BRAC) program.

“Modernizing and strengthening Yeager Airbase is a top priority both for West Virginia and for our America’s security,” Byrd said. “I am working hard to ensure that the 130th has the resources it needs to thrive for many years to come. These new hangars will not only replace outdated facilities; they will also enhance the 130th Airlift Wing’s capabilities and open up new opportunities for the future of the base.”

In 2005, Yeager Airbase was placed on the Pentagon’s Base Realignment and Closure list. Senator Byrd — along with state, local, and federal officials — worked with the West Virginia National Guard, and grassroots supporters to save the base. Having successfully thwarted efforts to close the base, Byrd is once again working in the Senate to update and expand the Guard’s capabilities in Charleston.

Read the full announcement from Senator Robert Byrd about funding the Air Guard.